Privatisation

Since privatisation, Qantas has continued to focus on safety and innovation, incorporating the best available technology. New aircraft including the Airbus A330, A380 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner joined the fleet. In an increasingly uncertain, competitive and challenging environment, Qantas continues to fly international passenger and freight services to every inhabited continent. Within Australia, the Qantas Group network links more towns, cities and regions than any other airline.   

Qantas remains a leader in non-stop, long-distance operations and in March 2018 launched the first non-stop passenger flights between Australia and Europe with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner linking Perth and London.

The Qantas public share offer was launched. Qantas shares were first listed on the Australian Stock Exchange on 31 July.

Qantas becomes a foundation member of the new global airline marketing alliance, oneworld.

Qantas becomes the first airline to fly non-stop between Melbourne and Los Angeles.

Services to New York resume after a gap of 26 years.

Qantas Defence Services is established to carry out work for the Australian Defence Force.

First Qantas flight on the Silk Road Route over Tibet. This inaugurates the world’s first Future Air Navigation System (FANS) technology, allowing aircraft to operate in areas without traditional radar coverage.

Qantas’ four regional airlines commenced operating under the new brand, QantasLink.

Qantas acquires Impulse Airlines and merges it into QantasLink operations.

Qantas announces the formation of a new international leisure airline, Australian Airlines.

Qantas announces it will order 12 Airbus A380 aircraft for long-haul services.

Qantas took delivery of the first passenger Boeing 747-400ER aircraft.

A new Australian Airlines operated its first flight from Cairns to Nagoya and Osaka as a low-cost tourist service.

Qantas took delivery of its first Airbus A330-200 aircraft.

Qantas introduces a new uniform for frontline staff created by leading Australian designer, Peter Morrissey.

Qantas becomes the first airline to introduce cabin mood lighting to reduce jet-lag.

Jetstar begins operations to 14 destinations in Australia.

Jetstar Asia begins services from Singapore to six Asian destinations. Qantas owns 44.5% of the new company.

Jetstar announces it will begin international flights from Australia with a trans-Tasman service beginning in December.

Qantas opens a new Integrated Operations Centre in Sydney to manage flight operations.

QantasLink takes delivery of its first Bombardier Q400 aircraft.

Jetstar long-haul international services begin with a daily flight from Melbourne to Bangkok.

Qantas becomes the first airline to carry out a landing using the satellite-based Global Landing System with a Boeing 737-800.

Qantas signs an agreement to take progressive 30% ownership of Pacific Airlines in Vietnam.

Qantas reveals new designs by Marc Newson for products, airport lounges and aircraft interiors including the Airbus A380.

Jetstar Pacific, formerly Pacific Airlines, begins operations in Vietnam.

Qantas takes delivery of its first Airbus A380 aircraft.

Qantas introduces Next Generation Check-in kiosks for domestic flights.

Qantas celebrates 90 years of continuous service.

QF32 lands safely after an in-flight emergency near Singapore.

Qantas Defence Services delivers the first of four Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft conversion for the Royal Australian Air Force.

Qantas services are briefly grounded in response to industrial action.

Jetstar Japan begins domestic flights toTokyo, Osaka, Sapporo, Fukuoka and Okinawa.

Qantas announces changes to create four business units within the Qantas Group; Qantas International, Qantas Domestic, Jetstar and Frequent Flyer.

Qantas announces a strategic alliance with Emirates to provide more choice for travellers by flying via Dubai on the Kangaroo Route.

Qantas begins flights to London via Dubai.

The Jetstar Group carries its 100 millionth customer since launching in 2004.

A new partnership with China Southern is announced.

New Martin Grant uniforms are introduced for 14,000 Qantas staff.

Jetstar introduces the Boeing 787-8 into service.

Qantas posts a record Underlying Profit Before Tax of $1,532 Million. This comes about after a massive restructure of the business to reduce costs and increase efficiency.

Qantas announced acquisition of the Boeing 787-9 for long range routes replacing the Boeing 747-400.

A new Qantas livery is introduced featuring a modern interpretation of the kangaroo logo by designer Marc Newson and the Houston Group.

Inflight Wi-Fi on Qantas Domestic services introduced.

The first Qantas Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is delivered. First service is Melbourne-Los Angeles.

Perth-London non-stop services begin with the Boeing 787-9. This is the first ever direct air service between Australia and Europe.

Qantas resumes A380 services to London via Singapore.

New Boeing 787 routes to San Francisco and Chicago are announced to begin in 2020. Due to the emerging COVID-19 pandemic, these routes were deferred.